Blog
Asia Life
Sports, culture and the arts are a passion for billions in the Asia-Pacific, and offer unique insights into what makes countries here tick. From the latest cricket match to prize-winning novels and the latest art exhibitions, The Diplomat's bloggers cover it all, giving you a fresh perspective on the region.
Remembering Junaid Jamshed: From ‘Pakistan Pakistan’ to ‘Medina Medina’
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Junaid Jamshed was a pop icon, a fashion designer, a businessman – and a devout Islamic preacher.
The Hidden Costs of Asia's High Test Scores
By Simon Greenhalgh
Like the proverbial apples and oranges, comparing education systems through simple rankings doesn't work.
What's In a Hat? Indian Culture on Politicians’ Heads
By Krzysztof Iwanek
In India, you can test the dialogue between culture and politics through headgear.
Sacred Ink: Tattoos of Polynesia
By Jonathan DeHart
After 150 years of religious suppression, tattoos have returned to their rightful place as cultural symbols of Polynesia.
The Challenge for Asia's Female Politicians
By Jiyoung Song
Asia is seeing a new wave of successful female politicians, but getting to the top requires hard choices.
Exploring the Far East Frontier of Czarist Russia
By Peter Gordon
A review of Across the Ussuri Kray: Travels in the Sikhote-Alin Mountains by Vladimir Arsenyev, translated by Jonathan C. Slaght.
Sacred Ink: Thailand’s Magic Tattoos
By Jonathan DeHart
Thailand’s ancient tradition of mystical tattooing, known as sak yant, is thriving in the kingdom today.
Indonesia’s Challenge to Radical Islam
By Keith Loveard and Bastiaan Scherpen
The country is emerging as a champion of tolerance amid the rise of the Islamic State.
The Curious Stories of Indian Party Symbols
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The symbols often do not symbolize the parties’ agenda at all.
A Polish Classic in Asia
By Marta Tomczak and Krzysztof Iwanek
Quo Vadis, the famous Henryk Sienkiewicz novel, has been published in Asia many times.
Polish Bombers in a Chinese Sky
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Some Polish bands are trying to make headway in the Chinese market.
What is the Leading Cause of Snow Leopard Killings?
By Catherine Putz
Experts say more than 50 percent of snow leopard killings are retaliation for attacks on livestock.